holiday in the US but have criminal record

lubo_moravcik

A lad in work who has turned his life around quite significantly in the last 10+years has the opportunity of a family holiday to Vegas. Thing is he has a criminal record dating back to the 1990's, and although it was a long time ago some of the charges include drug offences and firearms.

How does he go about applying for the Visa, preferably even just talking to someone in the Embassy? He rang already but there's only an automated voice message and no one who he can seek advice from.


Is there a helpline where he can talk to someone and give my head peace

BuffyBot

http://dublin.usembassy.gov/tourist_business/tourist-b-2-visas.html is the first place to start.

ProudDUB

OP - The US will deny a visa to applicants that are guilty of crimes that involve (as they quaintly term it) "moral turpitude". In plain English, that means that if you are convicted of minor crimes, such as being caught with a joint, or traffic offences, or being drunk and disorderly, you should be ok. But if you were guilty of more serious $hit, they won't want to know you. If your friend was convicted of serious crimes involving drugs and guns, I seriously, seriously doubt if he will be granted a visa.

More info on crimes involving moral turpitude here:

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86942.pdf

Ponster

lubo_moravcik wrote: »

and although it was a long time ago some of the charges include drug offences and firearms.

It depends on the exact charges. Arrested for procession of drugs and a firearm most likely won't be a problem but if the firearm was used to get the drugs then it may be a problem.

KegglesMcS

I cant see it been a problem. It was years ago.

rockonollie

KegglesMcS.......it's the offense that will determine what they decide.....if the OP's friend was convicted of a serious charge, it won't make a difference whether it was last week or 20 years ago.

the_syco

lubo_moravcik wrote: »

How does he go about applying for the Visa, preferably even just talking to someone in the Embassy? He rang already but there's only an automated voice message and no one who he can seek advice from.

IMO, tell him to pop down to the embassy in Dublin early on a weekday, and prepare to wait. Tell him to bring his passport, and the information about his conviction. Also any documentation that shows his ties to Ireland, such as family, job, etc, to show that he plans to return to Ireland, and that this is only a holiday.

rockonollie

If he has been convicted of any crime, he'll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the US.....there's no more just "popping" down to the embassy. Visa applications are by appointment only.

The link below has the instructions on how to set up an appointment, it also has the details of the info-line to find out exactly what he needs to do.

http://dublin.usembassy.gov/vis.html

coylemj

KegglesMcS wrote: »

I cant see it been a problem. It was years ago.

They have a long memory in the US. In some states there are people doing life without parole under the 'three strikes and you're out' rule. In some cases the third felony was nothing more serious than stealing a pizza.